Landscape photography, lets travel light

For those new to landscape photography there is often a temptation to look upon equipment as a vital component in the belief that it will automatically produce better images. Whilst this may be true to some degree buying an expensive new camera or lens will not guarantee that you become a better photographer, far better to learn learn good landscape photography technique and hone your image processing skills to get the very best from the kit you have.

Indeed, I would only advise buying kit when absolutely necessary and then only buy the very best equipment that you can afford. It is far better to wait a while than rush in only to regret the decision some time in the future, this is particularly true of lenses.

Loch na Keall, Isle of Mull, winter sunset

When we consider the requirements for landscape photography all the major camera manufactures produce SLR cameras that can be built into complete landscape photography systems.

“In many ways as landscape photographers we are fortunate, with a quality camera, a few lenses, filters and a good sturdy tripod we are ready to go and create.”

More equipment does not equate to more success, remember we may have to carry our landscape photography equipment to that ideal location and we do not want to be weighed down with a lot of gear that will become tiresome to carry. So my advice is to travel as light as possible and think carefully beforehand what photo gear is required for a particular shoot.

Personally I have always used Canon but all SLR camera systems are suitable for rewarding landscape photography, however, there are some features and photo gear that I consider to be essential for landscape work.

1. Landscape photography covers everything from wide angle views to smaller details so a camera system that offers a choice of lenses is important.
2. As serious photographers we do not want to rely on the cameras auto setting so we need total control of exposure, we will want to be creative and use the aperture / shutter speed to suit our personal vision and specific location.
3. For landscape photography work a depth of field preview is a must. It will allow the lens to be closed down to your selected shooting aperture and allow you to preview the depth of field.
4. A manual or electronic cable release is extremely useful as this will prevent camera movement when the shutter release is pressed.
5. Used in conjunction with the cable release a mirror lock-up facility will further prevent any camera movement, this can optionally be used in conjunction with the self timer.
6. A sturdy tripod and head that will hold the camera rock solid, it must also have a range of movements from high to low level.
7. A few filters, most importantly a polarising filter and a set of 1 stop, 2 stop and 3 stop neutral density graduated filters.
8. And finally a strong sturdy camera bag to protect all that valuable equipment, I prefer a rucsac type as they are much easier to carry across rough terrain.

With the above, some reasonable weather and a well structured plan we are ready to set to head off into the great outdoors for an enjoyable and rewarding day of landscape photography.

Landscape Photography Workshops available.

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• Using water in Landscape Photography
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• Monochrome Landscape Photography